Risk manager John Neil, from business insurance specialists Alan Boswell Group, reviews the relaunch of the HSE’s "Shattered Lives" campaign.
Despite the previous amount of time and space given to the subject of slips, trips and falls this area of workplace accidents and incidents still remain the most common cause of injuries at work in Britain today. In fact, according to official workplace health and safety figures, more workplace deaths are the result of falls from height than any other cause.
Other major campaigns have been seen to have a significant effect on the areas where they have targeted with a noticeable reduction in accidents and incidents but for some strange reason the slips, trips and falls figures remain stubbornly high; Because of this the HSE is launching a new phase of its Shattered Lives campaign, aimed at reducing slips, trips and falls in the workplace to improve work safety.
The new phase of the Shattered Lives campaign will target those sectors where a high number of slips, trips and falls occur each year and will specifically target areas such as education, construction, building and plant maintenance, food manufacturing, food retail and hospitality. The hard hitting campaign involves raising awareness of the impact of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and directs people to the new Shattered Lives website (www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives) for practical advice and guidance.
On the new campaign website, people will be able to find out information on how they can easily and cost effectively, reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace. They will be able to see what other organisations, such as Sainsbury's and First Line Digital, have done. Also included on the site is an online tool (STEP – Slips and Trips Elearning Package) and a work at height access equipment toolkit (WAIT – Work at height Access equipment Information Toolkit). Advice ranges from how to deal with spills and other slip risks, to the importance of using ladders correctly to reduce the risk of falling from height.
The HSE stated, "making improvements doesn't need to cost the earth and we are encouraging people to visit the Shattered Lives site, where they will be able to get simple and cost effective solutions to help manage slips, trips and falls hazards in their workplace."
Fully supported by the TUC, General Secretary Brendan Barber said "Every one of the 40 deaths caused by slips, trips and falls were preventable...Unions will warmly welcome this practical hard-hitting campaign and will be raising the issue with employers wherever and whenever they can."
All slips trips and falls can be prevented by undertaking suitable and sufficient risk assessments and implementing cost effective risk management solutions but a fundamental part of success is engaging employees in the process so they take control of their own safety and understand what control measures they need to employ.
For more information on risk management and for expert business insurance advice, speak to Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers on 01603 218000, or visit our web site – http://www.alanboswell.com/business-insurance/risk-management-services.aspx
